ESPN recently released its list of the NFL's top 200 players, and along with it is a compilation of rookies who could be ready to make the jump into that group. The list, compiled by Mel Kiper Jr., is "loaded with top-level talent, but it's also loaded with guys who have a chance to make an early mark and to quickly rise and be considered among the top players in their positional groups."

Among the top six, it includes a Vikings player ... but it's not QB Christian Ponder. Rather, it's second-round pick Kyle Rudolph. Here is the snippet on Rudolph (insider required for the full story):

He has all the tools to be a topflight tight end at this level, and Rudolph also might be in the perfect situation to get a jump on other rookies. In Minnesota, he has a quarterback who loves to throw to tight ends, and, given the lack of wideout options, Donovan McNabb might have to.